I've got a few custom devices on my PCB where I laid out the package (footprint) and schematic symbol myself. On the footprint I have clearly numbered each pin to match the manufacturer's datasheets using the convention P$1 etc. However when I generate the Gerber files and P & P files I have had 2 different manufacturers tell me they cannot tell where Pin 1 is on my footprints.
Should I be using something besides P$1 as a convention? Is there somewhere else I should be designating a P1 so it is clear in the manufacturing files?